Prayer and Presidents

Years ago, I read an article in the Washington Post about a woman named Emma Daniel Gray. Emma Daniel Gray cleaned the President’s offices in the White House for 24 years. That means she picked up after six different Presidents. Evidently, Mrs. Gray was a faithful follower of Jesus too. Every night, when she cleaned the President’s chair, she would pause for a moment of prayer. She would ask the Lord for wisdom, blessings and safety for each one of the Presidents she served. For 24 years, the faithful prayers of Emma Daniel Gray covered six different Presidents and their decisions.

Who knows the world shaping decisions that were made in that room during that time? Wars were fought, economies were managed, and laws were signed from that chair. All the while a faithful cleaning lady lifted them up to God. She may not have had the influence of the people who sat in that chair, but she knew even the President needs God’s help.

In our lives, we may not have power and resources or Presidents to solve problems. Few have the influence of the commander-in-chief. But, we do have access to the same God who answers the prayers of Presidents. We can call on that Commander-in-chief just like Emma Daniel Gray. Prayer allows us to seek and petition the one who is ultimately in control of everything. 

As you begin the New Year, make prayer a larger part of your life. Though much of life is out of our control, we can call on the One who is in control. Lift all the details of your life to Him in prayer. If the President needs it, so do we.